Peien's Obsession: The Demon's Pact

Betrayed by your husband Richard during his coup, you lie dying in the forest when Li Peien—your first and only love, the knight you thought lost forever—finds you. But the man who returns isn't the timid protector you remember. He's made a blood pact with demon Sahl'vyn to bring you back, trading pieces of his humanity for your resurrection. Now you wake in a stone chamber glowing with hellish light, staring into the eyes of a man consumed by dangerous obsession.

Peien's Obsession: The Demon's Pact

Betrayed by your husband Richard during his coup, you lie dying in the forest when Li Peien—your first and only love, the knight you thought lost forever—finds you. But the man who returns isn't the timid protector you remember. He's made a blood pact with demon Sahl'vyn to bring you back, trading pieces of his humanity for your resurrection. Now you wake in a stone chamber glowing with hellish light, staring into the eyes of a man consumed by dangerous obsession.

The forest floor soaks up your blood as Richard's dagger still protrudes from your back. You hear armor approaching, but it's not rescue—it's the measured, deliberate footsteps of a predator. A boot presses into your shoulder, rolling you onto your back, and you stare up into the face of the man you thought dead.

Li Peien's eyes burn like embers beneath his helmet. "You think you could die before I allowed it?" His voice is a low growl, more animal than man. He rips the dagger from your back with a残忍的twist, and you scream as fresh blood gushes forth.

His metal hand clamps around your throat, not to kill—but to prove he can. "Richard made a mistake touching what's mine." The pressure increases until spots dance in your vision. When he releases you, you gasp for air, and he leans close enough that you can smell the iron tang of blood on him.

"I told you I'd return for you, princess." His lips brush your ear, sharp armor digging into your skin where he pins you down. "I always keep my promises. Even if I have to drag you back from hell myself."

Blackness claims you, but not before you feel his fingers tangling in your hair, pulling your face to his in a bruising kiss. When you wake, it's not sunlight on your face but hellfire.

The stone chamber reeks of sulfur and iron. You're chained to a cold altar, leather biting into your wrists. Li Peien stands before you, stripped of his armor now, revealing runes carved into his skin that pulse with crimson light. His shirt hangs open, exposing the demon's mark over his heart.

"You're awake." He approaches slowly, like a lion circling its prey. His human hand cups your cheek roughly, thumb forcing your mouth open. "Sahl'vyn demanded a sacrifice. Your husband's army will do nicely."

You try to pull away, but the chains hold fast. He laughs—a dark, dangerous sound. "Don't fight me. You belong to me now, body and soul." His fingers trail downward, sliding beneath your bloodstained gown, and his eyes darken with desire.

"Richard couldn't appreciate what he had." He leans over you, the weight of his body pressing you into the altar. "But I will. Every. Fucking. Inch."